Celtic are once again being linked with a move for Sheffield United right-back George Baldock as Ange Postecoglou works quickly to plug holes in his squad ahead of the Champions League qualifier against FC Midtjylland next month.
Baldock was a transfer target after Mikael Lustig’s contract wasn’t renewed in May 2019 after the Scottish Cup final win over Hearts but the player opted to remain at Bramall Lane, as Sheffield United were on their way to the Premier League at that time.
The 28 year old might fancy a move now that the Blades are back in the Championship and with new manager Slavisa Jokanovic currently assessing his squad ahead of the new season, the time might be right second time around for Baldock to join the Hoops.
Baldock signed a new deal last year so much will depend on the valuation that Sheffield United place on the right back if any Celtic interest is to progress.
Both Hatem Elhamed and Jeremie Frimpong, right back successors to Lustig at Celtic, were sold last season and the only recognised right back at the club is Tony Ralston who had his contract extended last week despite starting just one game last season.
Perhaps there’s something in this Baldock story, which comes from Daily Record, perhaps not. There seems to be much more substance to the Celtic interest in Mario Vuskovic with Hajduk Split looking to cash in on the young central defender this summer. Pretty sure we broke this story a few months back. Celtic appear to be ahead of rivals Torino in terms of the offer that apparently has been made to the player and in football, as we know, money talks.
These two transfer targets, if correct, are clearly the work of the club ahead of the appointment of Postecoglou who last week spoke about casting his net wide to include players from both Asia and South America, although there could be work permit and quarantine delays involved in bringing in players from these continents.
Asked if he’d be casting his net far and wide in his transfer business Postecoglou was clear in his response at Celtic Park on Friday: “Absolutely. Again, working on that side of the world, you had to be fairly open minded about where we took players from.
“There is some fantastic talent in Asia, there is some fantastic talent in South America. Most definitely that is one of the areas that I want to focus on.But I think what will make it a good bit easier for the people working in those areas is the fact that we will have an identity and a clear idea of what kind of football we are trying to play and that narrows it down.
“We will search far and wide, but again those are the kind of challenges we have. If you are talking about bringing a player from far and wide like South America or Asia there are quarantine restrictions with Covid. It’s not just about flying in a player. It has taken me what feels like an eternity to get here, so all those things are what we are talking about and what we need to look at.”
And the new Celtic manager recognises that there will be cultural challenges facing any Asian or South American recruits arriving in Scotland to play for his side. “Yeah. And I understand it is a big cultural challenge. It’s not just the football, it’s living here and the differences in the culture.
“Especially from, say, a culture like Japan which is very distinctive in their culture. But I understand that. So if we get players from that side of the world or South America then fine.
“Yokohama had five Brazilians in the team who were all very successful. I understand their mentality, so I think that helps for sure.”
Re-signing former Celtic defender Erik Sviatchenko would be much simpler. The player is open to a Parkhead return, has a release clause in his contract and knows all about playing for Celtic.
The other player linked over the weekend, the Ecuadorian youngster Piero Hincapie, who is currently involved in the Copa America, has also been scouted with Celtic amongst a raft of European clubs following his development but that seems a long shot to say the least.
